The Col des Fours variant

Travel Tips & Tricks

The Tour du Mont Blanc, a legendary route, is not a single line traced across the mountains. It is dotted with variants, parallel trails offering different perspectives. The Col des Fours variant, on the second stage of the trek, is one of the most significant. It provides a high-altitude escape, a wilder and more direct shortcut to the next part of the route. This is a trail that we at Grand Angle recommend for experienced hikers. It allows you to rise above the classic path to touch a more rugged, mineral world and offers, from the highest point of the TMB, a breathtaking view.

An alpine shortcut to Val Montjoie
Technical profile: a demanding route
The route: from Bonhomme to Fours
The reward: a 360° panorama
For whom and when? Our expert advice

An alpine shortcut to Val Montjoie

The Col des Fours variant appears to hikers at the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. While the classic route begins a long descent toward the hamlet of Les Chapieux, this alternative stays on the ridges. The trail climbs to the Col des Fours before plunging into a steep descent toward Ville des Glaciers, joining the valley floor much further upstream. It is a more "alpine" option, saving time while adding a technical challenge and extra elevation gain.

Technical profile: a demanding route

This variant should not be taken lightly. The Col des Fours, at 2665 meters (8,745 feet), is the highest point of the entire Tour du Mont Blanc, including official variants. The ascent from the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme is short but intense. The descent, however, requires great attention. The trail is very steep and runs through scree fields where footing can be unstable. The technical difficulty is therefore real and makes this route suitable only for trekkers with solid mountain experience.

The route: from Bonhomme to Fours

The climb to the pass

From the refuge or Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, a well-marked trail leaves the main path on the left. The atmosphere changes immediately. You leave the alpine pastures for a purely rocky environment. The climb, though brief (about 200 meters or 655 feet of elevation gain), is sustained and offers a beautiful glimpse of high-altitude landscapes.

The descent to Ville des Glaciers

Once the pass is crossed, the descent is vertiginous. The trail literally plunges into the valley. The first switchbacks are tight and technical in the scree, requiring maximum focus. The trail then eases as it joins grassier slopes before reaching the stream and the path leading to Ville des Glaciers, just in time to prepare for the next day’s ascent toward Italy.

The reward: a 360° panorama

The effort is justified by the exceptional view from the pass and the nearby Tête des Fours. The panorama is vast. On one side, the gaze stretches far over the Vanoise and Beaufortain massifs. On the other, it’s a striking and unusual view of the southern side of the Mont Blanc massif. Notable sights include the Aiguille des Glaciers and the Lanchettes Glacier. It is a raw, wild spectacle, giving a sense of isolation and grandeur sought in Alpine treks.

For whom and when? Our expert advice

This variant is exclusively for experienced hikers, comfortable with steep descents and unstable terrain. It is absolutely to be avoided in bad weather (rain, fog), when it becomes dangerous. Early in the season, caution is also essential. Snowfields may persist late, making the crossing risky without proper equipment (crampons, ice axe). Checking conditions is crucial. This option is available to our clients on a self-guided trip such as the 12-day complete TMB, depending on daily conditions. On a guided group trip, only the guide can decide to take it. To see if this variant matches your level and preferences, contact our experts for personalized advice.